A flight attendant has revealed the real reason why they greet each passenger as they board the plane – and it’s not just to be polite.

As you make your way onto a plane, you tend to be greeted by a smiling flight attendant before spending far too long trying to locate your seat.

While it may seem like staff are simply being friendly, there’s actually a whole other reason why they try to welcome each passenger as they board.

Many of us like to enjoy a couple of overpriced drinks in the terminal bar areas before flying. Suddenly, you hear the ‘final call’ (although it lasts for a long time) and you’re rushing to the departure gate.

We’ve all been there.

The friendly staff member then greets you as you board, but you’re unaware that the warm welcome is only part of the task they’ve been given in that moment.

According to one flight attendant who flies across Europe, cabin crew are actually analysing every passenger for other motives as they board the plane.

Over on TikTok, flight attendant Rania (@itsmekikooooo) revealed the real reason why she says hi to every single passenger as they board the plane, leaving social media users shocked.

Rania said: “Your flight attendant greets you, not only out of politeness, but also to check whether you are too drunk or sick to fly.”

Not only this, checking people out is also to analyse which passengers could help cabin crew in the unfortunate event of an emergency, she added in the video’s description.

Social media users were quick to share their thoughts in the comment section.

One person commented, alluding to already knowing this, saying: “I had pancreatitis when I was in Corfu, I acted normal going on to the plane; otherwise, I knew they wouldn’t let me on.”

Flight attendants have shared some secrets about flying. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

A second person joked: “Me with headphones walking on the plane completely ignoring the flight attendants…”

While a third said: “Ah okay this makes a lot of sense, I always get the same look going on flights.”

Another flight attendant in the comment section also added: “We look for anyone who hasn’t got any mobility issues, can speak English, looks like they will be able to open a door and ideally travelling alone.

“That makes you an ABP (able-bodied person).”

Many cabin crew have shared advice online recently, with one even revealing why you really shouldn’t ask them out when doing their job.

In a sit-down interview with LADbible, another person in the industry revealed exactly what happens when people try and join the mile high club while flying through the skies.